Women In The Open Water

Courtesy of WOWSA, Huntington Beach, California.

Pam Lazzarotto is a lifelong swimmer.  Originally from Canada, she specialized in butterfly as a former world-class swimmer from Toronto and later at the University of Arizona.

Throughout her 20’s, 30’s, 40’s and 50’s, she has remained involved in swimming as a masters competitor, coach and mentor.

While on dryland she is a creative designer of custom jewelry, in the pool and open water she sticks with the men, both younger and older.  Despite the daily pressures of work, Lazzarotto remains grounded with laps in the pool and miles swum in the Pacific Ocean for 47 of her 57 years on Earth.  “Swimming is such a great sport.

Lazzarotto remains deeply passionate about the sport after nearly 5 decades.  “My friends, my health, my comfort zone: swimming has given me so much. I have so much to be grateful for. It is time for me to give back so I look forward to helping coach and motivate others to enjoy themselves in the water and try new things whether it is a triathlon or one lap butterfly.”

“She brings a certain energy every day to our workouts and has a kind word and gives friendly advice and encouragement to everyone around her. She walks on deck and just brings a smile to everyone’s face,” says friend Lexie Kelly.  “Technically, she knows so much about swimming and has a great manner how to teach someone how to improve.

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